Door and window structures



Nov. 24, 1959 R. L. ALEXANDER 2,913,778

" nooR AND WINDOW STRUCTURES Filed July 22. 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 24, 1959 R. L. ALEXANDER DOOR AND WINDOW STRUCTURES Filed July 22. 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,673697 L. #lf-XQ/EE,

INVENTOR.

BY @ffm Hrm/@M6145 2,913,778 v DOOR AND WINDOW STRUCTURES Robert L. Alexander, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to The Altex Corp., Los California The present invention relates to doors and windows of Angeles, Calif., a corporation of N UnitedStates` Patent yO the metal frame type, and. has particular reference to improvements in the structure and fabrication of metal frame doors and windows. t v

One of the principal-objects of the present invention is to provide improved metal frame door and window structures.

, In recent years, doors and windows having frames of extruded metal such as aluminum have become increasingly more popular, vparticularly in industrial, business and school buildings, due to their `attractive appearance, strength, durability and ease of maintenance. Windows and doors of the metal frame type are thus Vfar superior i to the more conventional wood frame type, but `are some what disadvantageous from the standpoint of fabrication and installation, due in part atleast to the necessity for special skills and` ,equipment needed to properly drill holes, `cut and otherwiseoperate'upon the extruded metal parts. One of the important objects of this invention is,"` therefore, toprovide'novel door and window structures having novel and improved means for the attachment of working parts such as ventilator arms, sliding shoe membersand the like, and for assembly of therframing members, meeting rails and the like.

Another objectof this invention is to provide extruded metallic frame members, including framing sections such as stiles, sills and headers for window and vdoor frames, meeting rails and ventilator framing sections, all of novel cross-sectional shapes, said members being adapted to receive special ttings for assembly and operation of the completed-windows and doors. Y

Still another object ofthe present invention is to provide such novel frame members which are relatively simple in construction and adapted to be manufactured upon a quantity basis at approximately the same cost as conventional frame` members. i

Otherv objects and advantages of this invention, it is believed,will'be readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof when read in connection with the accompanying drawings..

` In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a window embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pivot base titting or bracket for a ventilator arm. 1 C

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of meeting rail anchor ttings. i

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a ventilator shoe cam track fitting.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of` a hinge housing fitting. p l

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure l.A

Figure `7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 747 of Figure l. p

`Figure ,8H is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 8 8 ofFigurel.

2,913,778 Patented Nov. 24, 1959 Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 9 9 of Figure 7.

Figure l0 isla sectional view taken substantially on the line 10--10 of Figure 1.

Figure l1 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 11-11 of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 12-12 of Figure 1.

. Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 13-13 of Figure 12.

Figure l4is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 14--14 of Figure l2.

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 15-15 ofFigure 14. i i

Referring nowl to the drawings, the window structure illustrated therein includes a window frame 10 as a whole, embodying a sill section 11, side jambs or Stiles 12 and aheader 13. The several sections are preferably mitered at the corners and rigidly connected together in any desirable manner, such as by angle brackets or the like (not shown). The window frame ismounted and secured in the preformed `wall or other opening in any conventional manner. v

The closures for` the window shown comprise an upper awning-type sash or ventilator 26, adapted to swing inwardly upon a hinge at the top, an intermediate awningtype ventilator 21, adapted to swing inwardly upon a hinge at the bottom, ,and a lower, fixed light 22. The fixed lightg22 comprises a pane 23 and frame sections 24, 25,26 and 27 rigidly connected together and to the lower 1 portion of the window frame 10 by any convenient means.

A meeting rail 30 extends betweenV the stiles and is anchored theretoby means described below, the meeting rail forming the-division between the-two ventilators 20 and 21. A suitable latch mechanism 31 is provided for locking the ventilators in the closed position.

` TheI ventilator frames are constructed generally in the same manner as the window frame 10. Thus7 the upper` ventilator 20 comprises upper and lower framing members 33 and 34, and side members 3S, the several members having mitered corners rigidly connected together by any convenient means (not shown).v Similarly, the ventilator 21 comprises upper and lower members 36 and 37, and side members 3S connected together in the same manner.` ,i

i The forming members for both the window frame an the ventilators are basically the same in cross section, all preferably being formed of extruded aluminum. Thus, the sill section 11, stiles 12 and header 13 are identical in section, each comprising (referring to Figure 6 and describing only the header 13 in detail for purposes of convenience) a base or `flange portion 40, a web portion 41 integral with the base and extending perpendicularly therefrom at a point intermediate the ends of the base, and a head or ange portion 42 integral with the other end of the web portion and parallel to the base portion.

The base is provided with at least one channel portion 43 (and preferably two for purposes of symmetry and universal application) for the retention of weather stripping 44. Groove or keyway means are provided for attachi ment of any one of several snap in ttings described keyway.

The framingmembersfor the ventilators are all identical in section and, as indicated, basically of the same shape as the window frame members.

` indetail for purposes of convenience) a base or flange Thus, the ventilator `frame Vmembers each comprises (referring to Figure 6 and describing only: the upper framing member. 33,

portion 60, a pair of 'spaced web portions 61, 62 integral with the base and extending perpendicularly therefrom at points intermediate the ends of the base, and a head or flange p ortionV 63 integral with the otherends of the webI portions and parallel to the base. 'Ijhe'base and head portions are each provided with a groove or channel 64, 65 for the retention of weather stripping 6,6-, 67. A pair of keyways are provided, formed bythe dovetail portions 68 and 69 which cooperate with the exterior surfaces of webs 61 and 62. Comparing the frame members 13 and 33, it will be seen that they differ primarily in that the member 13 is generally T-shaped and has a single web member, whereas the member 33 is generally Z-shaped and has a pair of web'members, the two web members forming a tubular construction which, is generally preferred for added strength for movable ventilator framing sections.

The meeting rail member 30 is also of generally sirmilar sectional shape, as shown in Figure 7, comprising a base or flange member 80, a pair of web members 81 and 82, a head or flange member 83, channels 84 for the weatherstripping 85, and keyways formed by the dovetails 86 and 87. It will be seen that the meeting rail is identical to the frame member 13, except for the addition of another web member.

The lower frame member 37 preferably carries a drip shield element 37a having at the lower end thereof a weatherstripping element 37b, as shown nfFigure 8 The operation of the ventilators is generally conventional, utilizing the principle of hinging or projecting the ventilators on both sides at either the top or bottom to a sliding shoe, which shoes retained in tracks on the Stiles; and providing a pair of ventilator support arms, each pivoted at one end to a ventilator side frame member and at the other to a stile. However, an important feature of the present invention resides in the manner in which the novel frame member sectional shapes described above are utilized in assembly of these moving parts.

For example, the hinge mechanisms include a pair of hinge housings, preferably made of a tough, relatively rigid plastic such as nylon, for each ventilator. As shown in Figure 5, these housings comprise an elongated body portion 90 having a central bore 91 extendingl therethrough from one end and terminating short of the other end. Integral with the body portion is a pair of spaced foot members 92 and 93, each being generally rectan gular in shape, the ends thereof being bevelled as shown. As shown in Figure 6, the length of the foot member, from one bevelled portion to the other, is slightly greater than the narrowest space between the dovetail portions 68 so that in the installed position shown in that figure, the hinge housing is retained in the keyway against disassembly in a direction transverse to the web 61,. The bevelled portions of the foot members are sufficiently resilient so that the housing may be installed in the assembled position shown in Figure 6 merely by resting the foot members above the desired location and then sharply striking the housing with a blow from a hammer or other tool, thus forcing the housing into the assembled position. One end of the housing is provided with a shoulder 95 and an auxiliary depending shoulder 96, which latter shoulder serves to properly position the housing with respect to the end of the framing member 33 as shown in Figure 13. Once the housing is so positioned, the edges of the dovetail portions and the adjacent portions of the foot members are deformed as at 97 with a c hisel or other tool to permanently lock the housing into place.

Each of the hinge mechanisms also includes a pin 100, the outer end of which is rigidly connected to one end of a generally dumbell-shaped shoe member 101, preferably of the same plastic material as the housing. Means arev provided for resiliently urging the shoe member in a direction away from the housingV and, as shown best in Figure 13, these means include a'helical spring 103 interposed between ,the inner end of the pin 100 and a collar member 104 adjustably retained within the housing bore byrneans of ascrew element 105.

The pin-attached end of each shoe member is received in a cam track tting having a body portion 111. These ttings are secured to the stiles 12 in a manner described below and are each provided with a bevelled portion 112 of the same shape as the bevelled portions on the housing vbase members, the portion 112 extending from one side of the housingas shown best in Figure 4. Integral with the body portion 111 and spaced therefrom is a block element 113, thespacing between theunderside 114 of the element 113 and the edge of the bevelled portion 1,12,l being slightly less thanf the width. of the widest part of the dovetail portion 45 (see Figure l2), and here again, these fittings 110 are easily installed by striking a blow to force them into the assembled position shown, and secured in place by deforming the dovetail portions as at 115,

The other `end-of each shoe member ridesv in one of a pairy of track members v116 (a pair foreach ventilator). As shown in Figures 14 and'lS, these track members are formed of sheet metal, preferably stainless steel, and are provided at the longitudinal sides thereof with resilient portions 117 and 118 engaged in therespective dovetailed portions 45 and 46. l

It will be understood to-those skilled in the art that the the purpose ofthe cam-track fittings 110 is to cooperate with the shoe member to move the top of the ventilator outwardly and away lfrom the Window frame a suiicient distance tovpermit the pivotal opening of the ventilator without interference between the horizontal framing members of the ventilator and-window frame. The portions ofthe ventilator frame members must be notched as at 33a to provide clearance for the block elements 113, as shown in Figure 12. Thus, the block elements also fill in the void areas formed in the frame members by the notches 33a.

As indicated above, the conventional pair off support arms 119 is provided for each ventilator. However, these arms are connected to the assembly in a novel fashion.l Thus, each end of each arm is provided with a pivot pin 120 having shoulders at each end thereof, each pin extending through a central opening 121 provided in a bracket 122 preferably formed of nylon, ancl preferably having a shoulder 123 surroundingY the opening ('see Figures 2, 10 and 1l). The main body of the bracket tting 122 is generally rectangular and is provided with bevelled portions 124 and 125 on two sides thereof vfor assembly in the keyways of the stiles and the ventilatorl side frame members in the same manner as described above with respect to the hinge housing.

Novel means are also provided for anchoring the meeting rail member 30 to the stiles. As shown best in Figures 3v, 7 and 9, these means mayA include a pair of anchor fittings 130, one pair for each stile. T hese fittings comprise a generally rectangular body portion 131, each provided with bevelled portions 132 and 1 33 on two, ends thereof for assembly in the keyways of the stiles in the same manner as described above with respect4 to the hinge housing. Projecting from the body portions of each is a bracket plate element 140, each provided with a tenon 141, each adapted to be receivedin one of a pair of apertures 142 at the ends of the meeting rails.

The fittings become particularly useful Where it is desired to utilize a structure wherein a bar or tube, such as a muntin bar, abuts a tubular section, such as aventilator framing section, due to the elimination of the necessity for providing tenonr slots in the web` of lthe tubular section.

The keyways formed inl the ventilator framingA sections perform still another important functionl in that they pro. vide means-for the. easyy assembly Qt the. windvvrpanes Thus, as shown in Figure 7, for example, theI pane'153j is held inrositioliv by, 111621115v Qf, a. retaining member 155, preferably formed from sheet metal and, therefore,'suf-v S iciently resilient to be snapped into the keyway as shown. The retaining member is preferably provided with a longitudinal recessed portion 151 for the reception of a rubber-like plastic strip 155, putty material 155a being inserted in the space defined by the glass 153, retaining member 150 and framing member 34.

From the above description it is believed that it will be appreciated that by providing the novel framing sections and fittings, applicanthas made an important contribution to the door and window art. The novel structures shown herein provide for easy and quick assembly of both door and window structures at a building site by relatively unskilled personnel and without the use of special tools, thus permitting great savings in the expenditures of time and money. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other types of hardware than the littings described herein, such as, for example, strikes, lock elements, etc., may be assembledin the same manner. As a specific example of such other hardware, conventional glass clips used in putty glazing to temporarily hold the glass in position in the metal ventilator framing sections may be assembled to the framingl sections Without drilling or punching holes therein by using ittings like the brackets 122, but provided with a smaller opening to receive the end of the glass clip.

Having fully described my invention, it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the details set forth, but my invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A window of the awning type having a hinge mechanism including a cam shoe, said window including frame members each comprising a base, a web portion connected at one end to and extending generally perpendicularly from said base, a head portion connected to the other end of said web and generally parallel to said base, means on said member cooperating with said Web to form a keyway, and an attachment fixture retained in said keyway, said attachment xture comprising a cam track tting for said cam shoe, portions of said frame members being notched, a first portion of said cam track fitting extending through said notched portion to cover the same, said keyway being formed by dovetail portions on said base and head portion, and said attachment fixture being provided with a second portion complementary to one of said dovetail portions and spaced from said irst portion, said lirst portion cooperating with said second portion for retention of said fixture in said keyway.

2. The combination of claim 1, including a track member retained in said keyway, wherein said cam shoe member is provided with one end adapted to be received in said cam track fitting and another end adapted to be received in said track'member, and wherein the spacing between said first portion and said second portion portion is slightly less than the widest part of said one dovetail portion.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,650,640 Michaels Nov. 29, 1927 1,750,664 Dreusike Mar. 18, 1930 2,559,764 Goldberg July 10, 1951 2,784,459 Anderberg et al Mar. 12, 1957 2,829,744 OBrien Apr. 8, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 253,896 Switzerland Apr. l5, 1948 

